Parker, who was paralysed from the waist down in a training accident in 2017, adds the Oceania women's wheelchair title to bronze medals from last year's Commonwealth Games and world titles.

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The victory was a confidence boost for the Newcastle 30-year-old, whose focus is on gaining Paralympic selection for Tokyo 2020 then producing a gold medal performance in Japan. 

"It's so good to get the win, especially in Newcastle, in my home town," Parker said post-race. "I had so many friends and family out there on the course and I'm really proud to get the win here.

"When I crossed the finish line I was just so happy, so excited. With friends and family there at the finish line, it was very special. There was definitely relief; it's been coming for a while."

The Newcastle 30-year-old came out of the water first after a 750-metre swim and extended her lead in the 20-kilometre cycle leg then was not headed in the 5km run.

It was the first time she has beaten compatriot Tapp, the Commonwealth Games silver medallist and world title-holder.

Parker won in one hour, 26 minutes and nine seconds. Tapp was second in 1:29.25 and fellow Australian Sara Tait third in 1:48.06.

"I was able to enjoy the last lap of the run and I backed off the pace a little because I knew I had it in the bag," Parker said.

"I've had a great preparation over the past couple of months and I've improved so much in all areas of triathlon, especially my run leg, which was my weakest. I just felt great out there.

"To get the win for the first time over Emily Tapp, the world champ, in Newcastle just means the world to me and gives me so much more confidence for my future races."

Parker backs up for the Devonport International Triathlon Union triathlon on March 2 then has spinal surgery scheduled for March 9.

The selection period for the Tokyo Paralympics starts in June.

It was the first time the Oceania championships were held in Newcastle and they were staged as part of the annual Sparke Helmore City Triathlon.